Heather Jarrell, M.D., named Chief Medical Investigator for the Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI)

Dr. Jarrell has been serving as interim chief since April 2020.

The OMI board voted Thursday to unanimously name Jarrell to the post, overseeing all OMI operations. OMI, as the state’s only medical investigator office investigates any death occurring in New Mexico that is sudden, violent, untimely, unexpected or where a person is found dead and the cause of death is unknown. The OMI, which is a special program within the University of New Mexico School of Medicine’s Department of Pathology, determines the cause and manner of death in these cases, and provides formal death certification. In 2020, the OMI handled nearly 10,000 death investigations.

“Dr. Jarrell has been phenomenal in the interim role,” said Martha McGrew, MD, OMI Board President. “She has the confidence of the staff, is an active and reflective leader and has really showcased true leadership during the unprecedented situation with COVID-19.”

“A big thanks to the search committee for their leadership on this national search process,” said Douglas Ziedonis, Executive Vice President for Health Sciences and CEO of the UNM Health System. “Dr. Jarrell is a most outstanding choice and we are all fortunate to have her leadership. I am looking forward to seeing the OMI grow in all mission areas and continue to make an impact for so many throughout New Mexico.”

“I am honored and humbled to be the sixth chief at the OMI,” said Jarrell. “My passion for our staff and our mission to investigate deaths to serve the living is near and dear to my heart. I want to thank everyone at OMI who has really gone above and beyond during the pandemic and works tirelessly every day.”

Jarrell attended Mercer University School of Medicine and received her doctorate of medicine in 2008. She completed her residency and fellowships in pathology in Virginia at the University of Virginia and Virginia Commonwealth University. She joined the OMI in 2014. Jarrell has completed medical missions in Zambia, Honduras, Peru and Tanzania.